#Urban Pest Management

[delicatelysublimeforester]

Blister Beetles: Pretty colors, serious powers

🌿🐞 Did you know about Nuttall’s Blister Beetles? These vibrant insects are a part of our local parks and greenspaces, often found on flowers like lupines and milk-vetch.  🌼 While they may look beautiful with their bright colors, handling them can be risky!  🚫 Their bodies contain cantharidin, a toxin that causes skin blistering if mishandled. Here’s how to enjoy nature safely:  👀 Spot them…

[sitting-on-me-bum]

Specialist species such as the Pallas’ cat manage prey populations in their habitat. They can also be ideal indicators of ecosystem health, according to research.

Image courtesy of Garrett Ziegler via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0).

Small cats face big threats: Reasons to save these elusive endangered species

The fishing cat is a wetland specialist but also shows adaptability. Researchers in Sri Lanka have studied a population living in Colombo’s urban area for several years. Making such specialist species the face of at-risk habitats could bring wider conservation benefits, experts suggest.

Image courtesy of Cloudtail the Snow Leopard via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0).

Efforts are underway to understand if the Northern tiger cat should be split into distinct species. In Colombia, Juan Camilo Cepeda Duque, of the Andean Tiger Cat Conservation Alliance, describes the local species (known as the Andean tiger cat) as a “free colleague” for farmers living in the vicinity of forests because the animal helps control pests.

Image courtesy of Camilo Botero.

Panthera, an NGO, is researching how bobcats regulate mountain beaver populations in Washington state, U.S. It could be the case that foresters can greatly benefit from having these cats around, says researcher Wai-Ming Wong. But data remain scant: Only one ecosystem services study has been conducted on the species.

Image courtesy of Mark Elbroch/Panthera.

[entomolog-t]

Got an Idea

In the world of "Bite Me" vampires are real tiny parasitic things, right? But they're still vampires. Does that mean there are people like paranormal hunters or something? There's so much potential in these...

THIS IS A GREAT QUESTION!

So to avoid spoilers I'm going to be pretty vague-

Vampires in the Bite Me universe are abnormal but not paranormal (though I will be doing a paranormal au because there is SO MUCH potential so by all means I can try to answer some more trad vampire stuff if talking about the potential au).

THOUGH- that doesn't mean that the tiny lil bloodsucking activity has gone completely unnoticed right? I mean, Aedes can't possibly be the only vampire who's been caught...

A BIT MORE ELABORATION

Vampires are completely normal biologically speaking, in that they don't have supernatural powers. The vampires in the Bite Me universe are essentially just a type of well adapted parasite. Some lil tidbits about their biology-

⚠ Nerd Alert ⚠

They are nocturnal- and hunt at night. Their eyes are adapted for low light conditions, though they can still move freely in the light.

They have an instinctual fear towards light (feels open, the feeling of being watched etc...) essentially to avoid predation by animals or being spotted by humans

Vampires have keen senses (hearing, smell, taste, sight) and phenomenal reaction time in order to help hunt. With their processing speed and keen senses, unless you catch one in the act or manage to corner/trap one, vampires are extremely hard to catch by just grabbing (cough cough, unless a certain lil someone likes to be grabbed) His senses dull when not in active "bloodlust" in order to keep the mind from being perpetually overwhelmed by everything all at once, though even dulled they are remarkably keen.

They are stronger than humans (relatively speaking), and quite durable. They have a high density of fast twitch muscles that helps further bolster their reaction time.

I've dabbled with the possibly of them having mild electroreception (basically in order to have a 6th sense towards heart beats as the muscle contracts) BUUUT I want to play around with the speculative biology with that. Mammals don't typically have an electrosense (more of a fish thing) but there are exceptions- yet those are still water based (with the semi exception of the echidna) so I'd have to do some pretty hefty playing around if I wanted to make it work.

They're allergic to garlic (along with a lot of other foods). Carnivorous, especially blood based parasitic diets leave an organism with an extremely reduced gut (Fun fact, theres actually a reason behind Aedes' slutty lil waist 😭) so they typically lack the ability to digest some harsher irritants, garlic being a big one. The smell is also extremely pungent so, yes, it absolutely will keep Aedes away (though it would have to be crushed)

Vampires in Bite Me do have one ability that feels almost supernatural- they are natural mimics. Vampires have incredible vocal control and ranges. This is incredibly useful to both ward off predators and lure in prey. Because of this- there are some typical tactics they use to avoid being caught (Some in more remote regions will mimic a rattlesnake rattle to deter a person from coming closer if they get spotted- and are usually able to slip away while the human calls pest control). This skill has led to both folklore and urban legends, about weird sounds occurring in strange locations. With their speed and skills in avoiding detection, a person would likely assume their house is haunted well before thinking theres a little vampire running around their house

Typically their bite is mildly numbing- though a very small number of people have a mutation that makes the numbing nearly completely ineffective (June being one of them). In that case, the numbing tends to work against its intended purpose- the numbing instead being noticeably tingling, and without the numbing agent, the anticoagulation factors and vasodilators within the saliva increase sensation in tandem with the increased bloodflow to the bite area, as well as giving the overall area a warm sensation.

WHEW

That was a chunky lore dump.

[fatehbaz]

Here, among these 8,000-year-old urban agricultural fields long referred to as the “lungs” (Kurmanji: lêdanê; Turkish: akciğer) that “breathe” (Turkish: nefes almak) life into the informal capital of southeastern Turkey’s Kurdistan, most farmers depend on chemical fertilizers and pesticides to cultivate corn and maize, the monocrops promoted by [...] landlords and the Turkish state. 

The Gardens, which have one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the Middle East, are home to rare bird, butterfly, and reptilian species and endemic plants. [...] [T]he plots were added to UNESCO’s List of World Heritage Sites in 2015 together with the ancient district of Sur, located in the buffer zone just inside the Diyarbakır Fortress walls. [...]

Together, they work to create a seed bank of pest-resistant plants native to Kurdistan. Azad stresses the difficulties of putting decolonial ecological principles into practice under the state’s brutal blockade where “war is the climate,” as people put it. Before the Siege of 2015–2016, hundreds of eco-projects were realized with non-hybrid seeds and pesticide-free farming by eco-activists and Yazidi refugee women who in 2014 fled the Yazidi Genocide in their ancestral homeland of Sinjar in Iraqi Kurdistan and settled in the refugee camp of Diyarbakır. Since the occupation of Sur and its surrounding areas, they are all largely ruined. [...]

---

Occupied ecologies are as much about destruction as they are about construction. [...] In 2015, the Turkish government had expedited an “emergency appropriation” of 60 percent of Sur properties. [...]

The removal of underground materials, the damming of rivers, the replacement of traditional crops with profit-yielding industrial commodities such as maize and cotton, the uprooting of ecological life, the decline of rare indigenous weasel and water turtle populations, and the ruined and resurgent ecologies these destructive processes have generated in and through war would be impossible without the wielding of specific forms of political violence upon the land to make it “available” for colonial development. [...] Coproducing infrastructure and ecology as possessions of the nation-state and as commodifiable resources meant the proliferation of these projects all over Kurdistan, to be constructed and managed by private companies. [...]

In 2005, the decolonial paradigm of self-governance became the Kurdish movement’s ecological model. [...] This “greening” of the larger Kurdish movement, organized in Turkish Kurdistan as ecology councils (Kurmanji: meclîsa ekolojî) under the Mesopotamian Ecology Movement spawned several campaigns: one against the militarization of the region via a new type of high-security police station, the kalekol; one against the extraction of shale gas by fracking; and one against the Tigris Valley Project development of the area directly across the Tigris River from the Hewsel Gardens. [...]

But by autumn 2016, the pro-Kurdish municipalities had been placed under Turkish trusteeship (Turkish: kayyum), and their democratically elected Kurdish mayors had been dismissed. The state then put an end to these activities, and, in an ironic twist, co-opted the city’s age-old idiom of “breath” as a way to greenwash the destructive effects of its campaign for “mobilizing saplings” (Turkish: fidan seferberliği) [...].

---

All text above by: Umut Yildirim. “Resistant Roots: Occupied Ecologies on the Shores of the Tigris River.” Jadaliyaa. 21 March 2022. [Some paragraph breaks/contractions added by me.]

[cbc-bb]

(laying on the bed with my chin in my hands) I want to hear about urban planning and rewilding

WELL! (cute)

urban planning: cities are just the most beautiful thing to me. they’re a bit like a garden: you can plan them out and come to them with your own ideas, but they’re going to grow on their own regardless. it’s the urban planner’s job to play gardener, imo, to prune here and there, to keep everything watered and devoid of unwanted pests.

cities to me mean density, which means efficient land and resource use. they’re environmentally friendly because of that! and they’re fun, they’re lively, and they tend to be full of interesting people. you might say that cities are loud, but they’re only loud because of all the fucking cars, driven by people who live outside of the city because “cities are too loud.” (whenever there are holiday weekends in NYC, the cars tend to go away and it gets oh so quiet).

anyway, urban planning is all about cities working better, making them more human for the people who live in them. how do we get around? how do we mix housing with shops and restaurants and office space?

rewilding: this is almost the same as urban planning to me, spiritually. humans have carved up much of the earth’s surface and that’s been largely bad for life on earth (including us).

rewilding is the process of restoring things back to a somewhat natural state. leaving things the fuck alone is one way to do this, and nature will rewild itself, but we can also speed this up with conscious human effort.

there’s a concept i like called “half earth” which says that humans should occupy at most half of the land area of earth, leaving the other half to nature (ideally in big chunks). this would let ecosystems rewild and restore, and would still leave ample space for humans to live (densely, mostly in cities) while also still having plenty of space for agriculture. there’s a book by E.O. Wilson that introduced the concept, one about a potential socialist half-earth future, and a novel by Kim Stanley Robinson that explores the concept (among others). there’s also a great book about indigenous sovereignty / land management that explores rewilding as well. here’s an excellent youtube video if that’s more your speed (but you should read a book too)

the state of california already has a “30 by 30” program in place (30% of land by 2030) and they’re working towards a “50 by 50” plan too, which is so encouraging

[monstersdownthepath]

Monster Spotlight: Shadowgarm

CR 2

Neutral Evil Medium Aberration

Adventure Path: Council of Thieves: The Bastards of Erebus, pg. 80-81

These grotesque, malleable predators hail from the Plane of Shadow where their frightening and ever-changing forms are as commonplace as coyotes and leopards, which coincidentally is the ecological niche they fill there. Feeding on vermin, carrion, and whatever creatures they manage to ambush, Shadowgarm are seen as dangerous pests in the Plane of Shadow, but in areas of Golarion where the barrier between light and shadow is thin, these boneless creatures can slip in through the cracks and become something all the more dangerous.

Mechanically, Shadowgarm are not harmed or even inconvenienced by normal light (magical light is different, staggering them so long as they remain in the glow!), but they have an instinctual dislike of the sun's rays which causes them to retreat during the day, cramming their distorted shapes into whatever container can accommodate them until nightfall. There are horror tales of these creatures taking up residence inside attics, cellars, or trash cans, as well as within cabinets, crevices, or crawlspaces between walls, only to be fatally discovered by someone investigating a strange noise or odd odor. Equally awful are stories of them climbing onto outcroppings (with their 30ft climb speed) or the undersides of bridges and then dropping onto prey from above like the night sky come alive and gaining a taste for flesh; horrifyingly enough, this is their go-to tactic for hunting humans. They're not animals guided by instinct; they're actually intelligent (5 Int, but still), and if placed into a new situation where prey requires different hunting methods, those methods will be adopted.

Shadowgarm in urban settings will usually satisfy themselves on garbage, vermin, and carrion, but if the opportunity arises to snatch away a lonely traveler or singular guard, you can bet they'll take it. Sneaking up on prey with their +10 Stealth, the book notes that Shadowgarm seem to draw some unusual enjoyment or perhaps even sustenance from laying in the shadow of a living creature (though not enough to prevent it from attacking), so an unaware victim may be trailed by one of these things for minutes at a time before it actually deigns to strike. Shadowgarm can Full-Attack with a trio of lashing appendages regardless of how many limbs they seem to have, each dealing only 1d4+2 damage but coating victims in a layer of Shadow Slime.

This oily black ooze coats the creature at all times, but each attack it makes can transfer a small amount of it onto their target if they fail a DC 13 Reflex save. Each time they fail, they take a cumulative -2 penalty to Dexterity... meaning that victims are caught in a negative feedback loop. Every attack forces a save, and every failed save makes the next one harder and makes the creature's next attack against them easier, and if a creature's Dex is fully engulfed by the penalty, they become entirely cocooned in the slime. Such victims are paralyzed and blinded until the slime dissolves, either an hour after the last time they were attacked, or if they remain in a source of bright light for several rounds, each round burning away a 'stack' of the slime until none remain. Y'know, provided they aren't just coup de graced by the aberration that slimed them in the first place.

The 'garms don't have a mouth or, really, any orifices to speak of, and instead eat by parking their bodies over their food. Any flesh or bone they're touching for long enough dissolves into wisps of shadow that are absorbed into their folds of their strange bodies. Victims of 'garm attacks thus disappear entirely but for piles of clothing, with not even a single bone scrap, hair, or blood spatter to mark where they once stood. To anyone who knows of these creature's feeding process, it's a sure sign of their presence, but to anyone who doesn't know, it's a sight that may make them believe the victim is still alive somewhere or trick them into thinking the culprit may be some magical kidnapper instead of a voracious predator. They may waltz into the creature's lair without knowing what they're up against.

With low AC, low HP, and no resistances or immunities (but their 7 Spell Resistance can catch low-level casters by surprise!), it may be easy to dismiss the rest of them as no threat to an armed squadron sent to exterminate them, but one cannot view such a beast in a vacuum. No, in its natural state, the Shadowgarm is a frightening and enigmatic creature that a common guard may not know how to deal with, especially since their distorted anatomy makes them seem far more fearsome than they appear, shifting and blending in with the shadows to make them appear larger or far more formidable than they look when in the light. Their Shadow Blend inflicts a 20% concealment penalty to any creature attempting to attack them when they're in dim light or darker as their forms shift and shudder unnaturally in the darkness (which stacks with any penalties a creature is suffering from if they cannot see in the dark!), and though they cannot make Intimidation checks, NPCs may lose their nerve when their blows appear to do nothing to the horrid creatures, and a descriptive DM can take several unfortunate misses in a row to make it seem like the creature is simply immune to weapon attacks.

However, like in any horror movie which relies on mounting dread and mystery to build up their monster, when you can finally SEE the monster, it becomes less scary. A single brightly lit torch takes their darkness distortion advantage and the majority of their intimidation factor away, revealing their sockpuppet-from-Silent-Hill shape to the world. Still spooky, but nowhere near as nerve-wracking! The very same torch also burns away the creature's Shadow Slime if held near enough to an affected creature, making the humble torch a must-have when going into Shadowgarm lairs even over the party all chiming in with "I have darkvision!"

You can read more about them here.

[ratcandy]

um mr. walter white from hit tv show breaking bad .why are you in my urban pest management lecture

[eldritchamy]

@creative-sparx replied to your post “science fantasy is such a hard genre to be into...”:

The magic system in Diane Duane's Young Wizards series is handled very much like a science with many different categories, grounded mostly in the concept of entropy I believe; I would say it is very much a fantasy using science elements rather than science fiction using fantasy. As a bonus, Diane is a very active and friendly Tumblr user who often engages in the specifics of the system with fans, and has a lot of writing credentials in both fantasy and science fiction.

Now that sounds like something me and my own magic system might be interested in reading.

I think what I'm looking for is not Science Fantasy, (which seems to be just a synonym for science fiction), but Scientific Fantasy.

I want a world where magic is just a fact of the world and is studied like any other science. It's just part of how the world works, as recognized and math'd out as gravity.

So much of Urban Fantasy fucks up the worldbuilding by just slapping a magic system on top of a world that is otherwise exactly like ours. And a world exactly like ours wouldn't exist at all if there were magic. If magic was a TOOL that people could use to SOLVE PROBLEMS, it would be USED to solve problems the same way we would think to use machines and electricity. Those solutions, and the new problems people would discover by using them, would look nothing like our world at all.

In a world that has had access to magic over a long period of time, the kinds of problems you CAN solve, and even the kinds of problems you would THINK OF AS PROBLEMS IN NEED OF SOLVING, would be radically different from the problems our world, and our technology, has developed to deal with.

Long range communication wouldn't be solved by a box with electricity trapped inside it. There would be magical approaches to solving that problem. Okay, MAYBE a crystal tablet that can display information is a good enough idea that someone would think of it. If the world is old enough? Sure, someone has probably figured out that electricity exists and can be used by people who are less skilled or comfortable with magic to solve similar problems, but magic wouldn't just be slapped onto the surface of an otherwise unchanged world. The entire structure of society and the tools it creates and uses would be completely different.

Like Senshi using earth golems as a kind of farmland that manages its own water supply and fights off pests. LIVING HYDROPONIC CONSTRUCTS. That's brilliant.

The entire fucking world would be radically changed in more ways than even a very dedicated worldbuilder could ever really imagine. Public transit could be magic based, even teleportation based. Energy grids could be powered by magic. Something equivalent to an elevator could be done through levitation fields. Shipping could be managed through demiplanes that open in multiple places. Medical science could incorporate magic as a diagnostic tool. With an extreme level of fine control, surgeons could heal incisions or tissue damage without stitches. Magic wouldn't need to be a separate form of education, the basics would just be taught alongside the water cycle or the respiratory cycle.

People would make jokes 20 years after graduating about how mana is the powerhouse of the soul.

THERE'S NO GODDAMN REASON FOR A WORLD WITH MAGIC TO BE LOCKED TO THE AESTHETIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF MEDIEVAL EUROPE.

Magical constructs could be teleported into orbit for space research. Think of the possibilities of a magic space race! Astromancy wizards summoning familiars on the moon!

There's so much more you can do with a magical setting than mud and castles and dragons and liches and horses. It's FANTASY! FANTASIZE! IMAGINE SOMETHING!

What if instead of meeting in a tavern you were stuck on a 3 hour connecting flight together on a sky train. You meet at the airport on your way to a tourist trap in the fey realm for spring break while working towards a degree in Arcanodynamics, and bond over the fact that it kinda sucks, and that pixiedust pretzel was in no way worth SEVEN gold, and their internship at the alchemical research hospital doesn't pay enough for this shit.

[skinwalker-bratz]

Idk if you still Wanna answer any creepypasta shifting asks, but!!!

Do you have any fun stories from it? Like, just what it was like day-to-day. Or hanging out with any of them, etc etc- I'm shifting to a creepypasta dr so I'm curious what yours was like!! And how they looked, since you said yours was realistic.

-💀(Cus I'll definitely be back, you have a neat blog)

Thanks, don't worry I don't receive many asks so they don't bother me ☺️

Ayee I rediscovered my Tumblr password.

Now talking about my experience, I would say that it was somewhat... Traumatizing apart from the funny parts. Firstly, I shifted without any additional security and everything would be 100% realistic, in terms of appearance and personality of the creeps and I also put everyone inside a manor.

Leaving my room was more challenging than here at CR, and it wasn't because I was antisocial but because no one there contributed to socialization, but there were some that I managed to force friendship with.

Most of the creeps were not sociable people, as they are to serial killers and monsters, and everyone there seemed to have some abnormal mental problem. Even I ended up having problems just living with these guys, and when I returned to DR I spent a few months in a mini depression due to the experiences there. Firstly, monsters that eat human flesh and cannibals live in the mansion, and as this is their main dish there were always prisoners there, and just hearing the screams of those people being cut and prepared is already a good trauma.

The mansion looked like those abandoned madhouses that we see in urban exploration videos, because people like the creeps rarely clean the place in which they live. Most places smelled musty, and were dusty, and that's not even counting the pests like rats and cockroaches that occasionally appeared around. At least some people's rooms were clean including mine. And that was already a good reason not to want to wander around.

In this place you would only socialize if it was extremely necessary because talking to a creep feels more like a hardcore game of chess, In other words, you have to be careful not to be manipulated and have to manipulate the person as well. Even because you could never trust them, no matter how good people they may seem. Even Jane didn't seem trustworthy there and Sally was scary.

Not to mention the smell of those people, because besides them not being very clean with their environment, they have little notion of hygiene. I think EJ was one of the stinkiest there, because the guy must have had the personality of a cat or was allergic to water to avoid showering for so long. You could smell him from afar and the smell was more like that of a wet animal than that of a human being. And most of them smelled like that there, not to mention the sewage breath of those people.

And in appearance everyone was ugly as expected, everyone had common bodies, most were well toned because they needed strength to do their "work", right. And some there were fat, not too much, but you could see that they had an above average fat content but not too much because we had a very active life there.

In other words, in general it was shit without the funny parts of the stuff I did to pass the boredom there. Of course, some more bizarre things also happened there, like some creeps offering drugs in the mansion's corridors in exchange for items. Or every now and then there will always be a fighting there and people will gather to watch the fight.

And you could occasionally suffer from slendersickness, and it's horrible, the symptoms vary from person to person but what I had most was severe nausea and a lot of headache. Besides, my nose turned into a waterfall of blood. And no one would help you, not even your friends, the guys literally just watch or ignore you.

So never shift without safety or without having an idea of ​​how realistic you want the reality to be.

[rhian-008]

Nigeria: A Climate Change Crucible

Nigeria, a nation endowed with abundant natural resources and a burgeoning population, is increasingly grappling with the tempestuous challenges of climate change. This environmental crisis, exacerbated by a confluence of factors including deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, and rapid urbanization, is inflicting profound wounds upon the nation's social, economic, and ecological fabric.

The specter of climate change looms large over Nigeria, manifesting in a myriad of destructive forms. Extreme weather events, once episodic, have evolved into a recurring nightmare. Flooding, an annual scourge, has escalated in severity, displacing millions and causing billions of naira in damages (National Emergency Management Agency, 2023). The Niger Delta, a region historically enriched by oil, is now experiencing accelerated coastal erosion, threatening the livelihoods of coastal communities and compromising critical infrastructure. In stark contrast, the arid north contends with prolonged droughts and desertification, a malevolent duo that is fueling food insecurity, mass migration, and socio-political tensions.

Agriculture, the lifeblood of the Nigerian economy and the sustenance of millions, is under siege. Erratic rainfall patterns, soil degradation, and the proliferation of pests have conspired to decimate crop yields. The World Bank (2022) reports a significant decline in agricultural productivity, with far-reaching consequences for food security and rural livelihoods. The nexus between climate change and food insecurity is a perilous one, as it creates fertile ground for social unrest and conflict.

Beyond the economic toll, climate change is exacting a heavy price on public health. The rising temperatures provide optimal conditions for the breeding of disease-carrying vectors, such as mosquitoes, resulting in a surge of malaria and other vector-borne illnesses (World Health Organization, 2021). Moreover, the interplay of water scarcity, poor sanitation, and flooding has led to an upsurge in waterborne diseases, further straining an already overburdened healthcare system.

The economic repercussions of climate change are far-reaching and profound. The agricultural sector, a cornerstone of the Nigerian economy, is experiencing a steady decline, impacting food prices, rural incomes, and overall economic growth. The World Bank estimates that climate change could reduce Nigeria's GDP by several percentage points by mid-century (World Bank, 2018). Beyond agriculture, the tourism industry, a nascent but promising sector, is facing headwinds due to the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns and the degradation of natural attractions.

The response to this existential threat has been a complex interplay of governmental initiatives, civil society engagement, and individual actions. While the government has articulated policies and strategies to address climate change, such as the National Adaptation Strategy and Climate Change Action Plan, implementation has been uneven and often hindered by bureaucratic inertia and corruption. However, some states, notably Lagos and Cross River, have demonstrated a more proactive approach to climate resilience.

Civil society organizations have emerged as vocal champions of climate action. Groups like the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Friends of the Earth Nigeria, and Health of Mother Earth Foundation have been instrumental in raising awareness, advocating for policy reforms, and implementing community-based adaptation projects. These organizations have played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between government and the populace, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.

At the individual level, awareness of climate change is growing, but behavioral change remains a challenge. While there are isolated examples of eco-conscious citizens, the broader populace is yet to fully internalize the urgency of the crisis.

A constellation of factors impedes Nigeria's progress in combating climate change. Poverty, a pervasive challenge, limits the adaptive capacity of vulnerable communities. Weak governance, characterized by corruption and inefficiency, undermines policy implementation. The country's heavy reliance on fossil fuels complicates the transition to a low-carbon economy. Moreover, a dearth of technological capacity and expertise hampers the development and deployment of climate solutions.

Despite these formidable obstacles, there are glimmers of hope. A growing number of young Nigerians are emerging as climate leaders, demanding bold action and inspiring hope for the future. Individuals like Naomi Ageli and Isioma Osakwe have galvanized youth activism, leveraging social media and grassroots organizing to drive change.

Addressing the climate crisis in Nigeria demands a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. A swift and just transition to renewable energy is imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure energy access for all. Investing in sustainable agriculture, including agroforestry and water-efficient irrigation practices, is crucial for bolstering food security and resilience. Ecosystem restoration, such as reforestation and mangrove rehabilitation, can help mitigate climate impacts and protect biodiversity. Early warning systems for extreme weather events are essential for saving lives and minimizing economic losses. Finally, investing in climate education and awareness is indispensable for building a climate-resilient society.

Nigeria stands at a critical juncture. The choices made today will shape the nation's future for generations to come. By embracing sustainable development, investing in climate solutions, and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship, Nigeria can transition from being a victim of climate change to a leader in climate action.

[march-harrigan]

OMG you did a White Rabbit reader with Jervis? Could you do a Chesire Cat type reader with Jervis? One whos like, Just as mad but is super self aware n shit?

So, I had to redo the second half of this one, but it's done! I enjoyed getting to do another Wonderland dynamic! Although I'm not sure I managed to make the madness shine through as much as I would have liked. More carefree/risky behavior than anything.

Maybe Cheshire Cat!Reader will make another appearance someday, so I can flesh them out more.

People would have thought you mad if they saw you in this part of town. And to be quite honest, they were probably right. It wasn't exactly the safest, and yet here you found yourself, almost daily if your schedule would allow it.

Which is where the madness came in. Even by Gotham's standards, this place was a hotspot for crime. Not just normal, every day crime either. When you came here, you were at risk of a run-in with some of Gotham's worst. But your passion for urban exploration outweighed your sense of self-preservation, and so you'd explored to your heart's content. Yes, your priorities were skewed. You'd be the first to admit that. However, you personally saw no problem with it. After all, everyone was a little off in their own way, right? Why should you be the exception?

Besides, if you hadn't taken the risk, you'd never have met Jervis Tetch. And it was Jervis who kept you coming back after that first trip into no man's land.

He called you his Cheshire Cat. Even when you'd first met, your smile had reminded him of Wonderland's perplexing, grinning feline. If that hadn't been enough for him to make the connection, your propensity for not giving straight answers did it. You'd appeared in his hideout as if from nowhere, and it took him nearly an hour to work out your reason for being there. You'd talked him in circles that whole time. "Why is anyone anywhere?" you had asked. So imagine his surprise when he realized how simple it was. All you'd wanted was to get out of the rain.

From that point on, he was intrigued by you. As intrigued as you were amused by him. The mutual interest led to further visits and before long, those feelings had developed into something else entirely. You'd never officially spoken the words, but it was a forgone conclusion that the two of you were an item now.

It was during today's visit that you nearly gave Jervis a heart attack. It was one of those rare, sunny days in Gotham and you'd planned on surprising him with a picnic. Unfortunately, when you arrived at his hideout this time, he wasn't home. This happened from time to time, but he usually wasn't gone for long unless he'd planned something big. And so you took it upon yourself to wait for him. Naturally, to you, this meant climbing up to the roof and watching for him. What else were you supposed to do?

It was a little under two hours later when he finally arrived. By this point, you were lying across the roof. Your arm with the picnic basket dangling lazily off the edge while you held your head propped up with the other. You whistled for his attention and the small man squeaked in surprise, halting in his steps. "Oh, good heavens dear, you gave me a fright! I thought you might me one of those Batspawn." His voice lowered into a growl at the mere thought of the vigilante pests.

"No need to get your cute little bowtie tangled, Hatter, sweetie," you chuckled, lazily giving him your signature grin. You swung your legs around in one swift movement and sat up. The action seemed to draw a gasp from him. Likely worried about your proximity to the edge. "It's just me."

"Y… Yes, I can see that," he replied, voice shaky. He noted the basket in your hand. "I, um… See my little Cheshire Cat was planning a… Picnic?"

"Mm, something like that~"

"Well, I… I'm afraid to say," the Hatter stuttered out, casting a brief glance up toward the sky. Sadly, the beautiful weather had come and gone before he got here, the sky now overcast with the all too familiar dark clouds. Typical Gotham. "The sky's quite gray. A picnic, yes! But… Not today. And on the roof, I dare survey, not safe, I say. Why not come down here and play?"

The rhymes came out rushed and haphazard, easily giving away his apprehension at your chosen spot. With a chuckle, you decided you wouldn't distress him any further and carefully climbed down. Once you were safely on the ground in front of him, you greeted Jervis with a small, chaste kiss. It served to calm his nerves, and as you pulled away, you held the basket up in front of him. "Who says we can't have a picnic, hm? Just because the sun declined our generous invitation?"

"I… Yes, I suppose. But it looks like it must rain."

"And?"

"Well… The food might get soggy, dear."

"Hm. I suppose you're right. Well," you sighed letting your arms drop so you were holding the basket in front of your legs. "Who enforces the rules for picnics anyway? The picnic police? Batman in a gingham checked cowl? I say we take this inside."

"Yes, yes! You're quite right, pussycat!" Jervis giggled, unable to shake the humorous image of Picnic Batman. He eagerly linked an arm in yours and escorted you inside. "An indoor picnic is just what we need!"

[greeningdeserts]

Agroforestry with oaks and hemp for more biodiversity, reforestation and soil improvement

Agroforestry, forestry and agriculture with oaks and hemp can improve soils, biodiversity and water balance, that's why Greening Deserts launched the program Agrarhanf.com, Bodenrettung.com und Eichenwald.org. Oaks harbor and enhance biodiversity more than any other trees!

The contributions and projects are intended to support forestry and agricultural managers with useful ideas, impulses and innovative solutions. We recommend planting tree rows more densely in the beginning and then singling out individual trees as the years go by. In the beginning, larger trees can be planted and slightly smaller ones in between, which are then useful as replacements and for the region. This technique is very proven in Eastern Europe and the agroforestry is therefore also a kind of tree nursery. Agroforestry systems are less susceptible to forest fires.

Mitigation of climate change impacts through healthier and stronger ecosystems, higher soil and air moisture are essential for survival, especially with the increasing loss of cropland worldwide. Flowering trees and wildflowers on trees can attract more pollinators and important insects (beneficial insects) which, like birds, also reduce pests. Agroforestry is therefore one of the best ways to adapt to climate change and extreme weather events such as droughts. Alternative tree species with nutritious berries and nuts as well as hardy palms can be found on Greening Deserts project pages and naturally on the Leipzig Palms Project. In the meantime, there are also plenty of suitable industrial hemp varieties, just read the official regulations for the cultivation of hemp in Germany. We recommend undemanding, tall-growing and narrow hemp varieties for the production of hemp fiber. Bushier sorts for more leaves and hemp seeds, such as for food and feed. Commercial hemp can significantly reduce nitrogen and methane emissions, this has been confirmed many times by international researchers and studies. Some hemp varieties require very little water and can improve long-term biodiversity, nutrient supply and soil moisture. Similar to lupines, hemp can also be used as a green manure, for example if there are times when yields or growth are not so good in individual years, the plants can be added to the soil after harvesting together with compost and / or leaves. For hemp cultivation, no pesticides and very little fertilizer are needed.

There are multiple options of tree planting, especially drought-tolerant oaks! Planting of pre-germinated seeds, e.g. germinated acorns, transplanting of young plants and cuttings around old trees in open areas in the forest or at the forest edge. Purchasing perennial oaks and seedlings from nurseries especially for urban regions and urban areas where larger trees are needed. If there is extreme abundance of oaks and saplings in some years, they can be taken from old trees. Otherwise it would be a pity if they die in the forest due to lack of light or are destroyed by mowing on meadows in the park. As a result, many millions of oaks are probably lost every year. The projects, campaigns and initiatives should also change or improve this, for example by showing how to do it, giving useful tips and having many people follow the movement. Not only people from the concerned areas but also people from all areas and branches, also from the educational area, for example young people from schools and students from universities. After all, collecting and planting oak trees is not only a nice balance to intellectual work, it is good for health and properly implemented also a kind of sport. In addition, one is more outside in nature and can learn a lot.

One can harvest acorns very effectively in places with the raking and a special vacuum cleaner, sustainably and only a part at a time, especially at half mast and blast mast. As some clever farmers, foresters and forest owners have already done. Every year there are acorns in abundance, according to estimates several thousand tons, sustainable harvesting would not harm ecosystems, on the contrary... too much acorns are not good for soils! You can harvest acorns very effectively in places with raking and a special vacuum cleaner, sustainably and only a part at a time, especially with half mast and blast mast. As some smart farmers, foresters and forest owners have already done.

With healthy and natural feeds like hemp and acorns you can replace many of these feeds in the short term and in the long term! Especially oaks with large fruits are suitable for agroforestry, where rows of trees are planted in fields. Useful crops can then be grown between the rows. Acorns are good not only for animals, but also for humans, as a healthy addition to the diet or medicine. Acorn meal is very healthy and acorns with residual bitter compounds are good for the stomach and intestines.

The potential for more sustainable livestock production is enormous. In Spain, animals are partially fed on oak trees. Iberian acorn-fed pigs eat only acorns, grasses and herbs from pastures. Acorn fattening and pig fattening could also in Germany not only reduce feed costs, costly and environmentally harmful procurement of feed. It would protect together with increased hemp cultivation soils and forests worldwide, since soils are destroyed less by deforestation and harmful crops. Of course, meat consumption or production should also be reduced globally - especially overproduction and senseless waste.

There is simply too much food being wasted, thrown away or going bad; improved distribution and preservation through better or faster drying could help. At the same time, less environmentally damaging crops such as corn, canola and soy should be grown along the way. Particularly intensive agriculture damages soils; oily plant parts can seal soils or repel water. This is fatal when prolonged droughts dry out the soil severely and rain then does not seep in well in many places or even runs off completely on the surface.

In order to bring forward topics such as species conservation, biodiversity, education, climate and environmental protection, as well as to promote a more sustainable forestry and agriculture, we want to increasingly involve schools and universities in our actions as well as projects in the years until 2030. The Oak Park and Oak Forest project Eichenwald.org was established together with the Schools Forest Initiative in 2019 and 2020.

We want to plant about 50,000 trees for and region, together with schools and school classes. The floodplain forest could be extended by a few meters at the edges! If one the relationship of the enormous meadows and open spaces which lie around the Auwald and forests in Saxonia one asks oneself why no or so few forest extensions were made until today. There is enough space around the alluvial forest and forests in Saxony. One does not need therefore necessarily a new forest to plant. Already on a meter band more forest at the edge of the forest thousands of new trees could be planted! If the work and projects are finally financially and actively supported, the actions and projects can be implemented more quickly, even by the end of 2023. Otherwise, due to lack of money and time, all the work and other important projects of the founder can unfortunately not hire helpers, get equipment or stuff is needed and will plant the oaks themselves over time and then plant out somewhere else. Then, unfortunately, there will be no Leipzig forest expansion with many important tree species and oak varieties. Because without any payment and support it simply does not work, especially under the current circumstances and plight of the founder, which lives since spring at subsistence level. The Oak park and forest actions since a few weeks takes almost all working time and free time, if there comes no support thousands of sprouted acorns will be planted in buckets, pots and bags. This saves a lot of time and ways.

Almost 40,000 oaks have already been planted over the years in Germany and regions of Europe. These are now well adapted to the drought, because they were planted out early and thus could root deeply. In Leipzig and region about 12,000 oaks were planted out! The founder of the Urban Greening Camp and Vertical Farming Startup has collected acorns from many different trees, these can then be easily put into the ground when they have germinated. The germination rate is very high and the mortality rate very low because oaks root very quickly and deeply - so they survive drought years quite well as we have unfortunately had more often now.

Oaks support more biodiversity than any other German or native trees. Individual specimens with hundreds of species have been discovered and recently even a world record with well over a thousand species! As some Greening Deserts articles and projects have already well shown or extensively explained. Projects and programs like the Trillion Trees Initiative have been exploring these relationships for years, especially the relationship between biodiversity, healthy ecosystems and trees that are essential for the survival of many other species. If we save, protect and propagate key tree species on which many other species depend, we also protect many thousands of species in the plant and animal kingdoms, as well as soils, waters, microorganisms, insects and fungi! Key species and endangered tree species should be primarily introduced into ecosystems and forests. Various EU organizations and official bodies were informed the years several times - also directly by email and contacted with many letters, unfortunately ignored by many or answered only superficially. The Urban Greening and Vertical Farming Startup not only wants more creative urban greening with tree containers or raised beds and planting walls. It also wants to establish more mini-forests in Leipzig and the region, also to create hotspots for biodiversity. Municipalities, farmers and forest owners from all over Germany are invited to provide parts of their area(s) for this project.

It is a win-win situation for everyone as such a mini-forest promotes a good climate and insect diversity in the region, in addition various tree species can also be planted more densely to use them in the future for further reforestation or forestation in the region, this is not only logistically sensible, but also saves money, time and resources. The small forests can serve as a diverse nursery or growing forest, so to speak. Greening Deserts founders have been creating the concept for several years and to date it is mature, because it is to be implemented together with the emerging movement of agroforestry and agrovoltaics throughout Germany and then Europe. The main project can be reached under GreeningCamp or GreeningDeserts.com, in addition the Trillion Trees Initiative and various forest projects will support this movement in the future.

Greening Deserts founders and researchers explore with various projects not only drylands and arid ecosystems, but also wetlands such as floodplains, riparian forests, wet forests, bogs or swamps, lake and river landscapes. Long-term studies of marsh trees and wetland plants have been carried out, including photographic studies and in such a number of wetlands of Europe. Swamps and bog forests have been documented over many years. Results will be published with the projects and project developments like Eichenwald.org, MoorForest and SwampForest.org in the future. The international platform will then be accessible at WetForest.org. For years we have been recommending the reforestation and expansion of peatlands, which can store more carbon CO2 than any other ecosystem, and to further reduce emissions, especially methane emissions, trees should be planted. Swamp or bog trees such as swamp oak or bald cypress grow relatively fast and together with organisms such as bacteria and fungi can stabilize the water bodies or wet soils, in some cases even bind methane as well as convert it. Wetlands without trees warm up faster than moist forests which cast shade and are much cooler than open areas. This is also a reason why wetlands release more methane, forest ecosystems suffer from droughts or extreme drought, store less carbon and can even release it - especially through forest fires and dried out or destroyed soils. Mixed forests and tree species that favor soil moisture also have a much lower risk of wildfire. Trees can cool the area by many degrees, even in urban areas, almost all cities should know this by now.

Air pollution, insecticides and pesticides are not only a threat to bees, they also endanger many other species, especially near agricultural and livestock farms. Many of the trees and forests typically found in forestry are monocultures and conifers such as Douglas fir, spruce, pine, larch and fir - unfortunately, these do not provide much nectar. Nearly 80 percent of conifers were felled because of damage. At just under 70 percent, the share of damaged wood in total logging in 2019 was more than three times higher than in 2010. As already described in the article on the Leipzig Oak Park of Diversity project, strong tree species such as oaks are also affected. Whether due to pests, powdery mildew or drought stress, the plants suffer greatly from the drought. Like many deciduous trees, oaks belong to the deep-rooted species, which fetch water from lower soil layers. What they do not need themselves, they release closer to the surface. This makes oaks good soil regulators, for example through pronounced symbioses with microorganisms and fungi. Oaks and other robust trees are suffering from climate change, as are many people and animals. Tree damage and forest degradation result not only from fires, drought and heat waves, but also from fungal infestations, pests, snow breakage, storms, floods and environmental toxins - as well as air and water pollution.

According to climate research, long-term studies and weather experts, extreme drought is becoming normal in Europe in the summer. In spring, many places around the world also lack the water needed for healthy plant growth. Soils and forests can hold less water because the important reservoirs are not only dried out but damaged, i.e. the storage capacity is reduced and in some cases reduced for years. When middle and deeper soil layers harden, humus layers turn to dust or are destroyed, even a lot of rain will not help for the time being. It then takes years of moderate rain and some plant growth until these soil layers are loosened and watered again. Trees, hedges and other plants that can form complex, strong and deep roots need several years to loosen medium and deep soil layers again. This is why ground cover, soil conservation measures and deep rooting plants like thistles are so important. Greening Deserts has therefore started the project SoilRescue.eu and TrillionTrees.eu.

The destruction of soils by extensive agriculture, surface mining and drainage accelerates land degradation. A major problem is the hardening and water repellency of soils due to greasy or oily surfaces. Fats, oils, and waxes from plant parts fall to the ground with the particulate matter. Rain then cannot penetrate the top layer of soil and runs off superficially. Factors such as soil type, plant species, temperature and the degree of desiccation determine how water repellent the soil becomes. Often, soils cannot be loosened by plowing until after harvest. However, if the drought lasts for a long time, there is a risk of soil erosion by wind - especially in the fall there are more winds and storms. We can all only hope that there is not another winter drought, as this would damage the soils for years to come. Already in 2018, more soil conservation measures should have been implemented, such as covering with ground covers, emergency irrigation with extra canals, ponds and rainwater storage above ground or underground. There are some other effective and innovative methods such as agrophotovoltaics, hemp cultivation, and desert bamboo.

Due to tree mortality during drought years, Germany is missing billions of trees; these cannot be replanted quickly by private and state forestry companies. This is compounded by more difficult conditions due to extreme weather and future droughts. Many of the new forest plantings since 2018 have died, often far more than half of all young trees. Movements like Fridays for Future and school groups should be involved in a variety of reforestation and planting activities - such as collecting seeds, planting trees and wildflowers. Especially for children and young people, it makes sense to combine healthy exercise, nature and fresh air with meaningful actions for people and the environment. During the actions you can not only learn a lot but also get a better understanding of nature and the environment. Especially in this autumn there is a chance to collect millions of acorns for new plantations and to plant perennial trees. This can be done basically all winter long if it gets as mild as 2019, there were even weeks in January and February with spring temperatures.

Reforestation and other tree planting activities should be concentrated more in the fall and more in the spring with the current climate conditions. This will give the young trees more time to root deeper and have a higher chance of surviving in a new drought year. Of course, extra watering can be done, and often a simple plastic bottle with drip irrigation is all that is needed. This simple irrigation technique is often seen in Africa and India. So you don't need to buy new products or techniques for watering trees, there is already enough plastic waste! SchoolsForest and 'Schools Forest Up' is a project idea of Greening Deserts and together with other planting actions, in a community, could plant the areas with forest damage faster than you think.

Contributions and quotes of Greening Deserts founder Oliver Caplikas:

Agroforestry is one of the best ways for forestry and agriculture to adapt to climate change and extreme weather events such as droughts. It allows for more sustainable agriculture and ecological forestry, as an agroforestry using only trees as a type of nursery is also possible. #ClimateAdaptation

Climate protection, nature conservation and environmental protection is species protection, so it is also human protection.

Europe should finally wake up and promote more hemp cultivation to support biodiversity, CO2 storage, ecosystem restoration and soil improvement - especially in drought regions and areas with deforested or degraded soils. More sustainable agriculture is possible if hemp production increases in European countries. Healthy agriculture with hemp also requires no pesticides and very little fertilizer or some green manure and mineral fertilizers such as rock meal every year.

Greening Deserts and Trillion Trees Initiative has been informing EU and parties for years about the problems of burning fossil fuels like wood and coal. Don't burn trees and forests, use hemp and rice straw for building, animal feed.... #agriculturalhemp.com #hempcultivation #industrialhemp.

Greening Deserts has launched new sustainable organic farming projects. One of them is called #Agrarhanf.de, a German project for industrial hemp that can improve biodiversity, animal and soil health - and reduce carbon and methane emissions! #organic farming #hemp fodder #hemp pellets.

Hemp can help improve air, climate, soil and water quality. Hemp plants support biodiversity and protect forests. Global hemp cultivation can reduce climate change impacts such as deforestation, desertification and global warming.

Hemp paper like hemp toilet paper can reduce deforestation and global warming worldwide! Prevent forest dieback with #hemppaper, improve biodiversity and soils with hemp farming. #agricultural hemp #soil saver #soil conservation #climate saver #utility hemp.

Feeding agricultural hemp to cows can lower their stress levels and improve their overall health. Hemp could replace corn, soy and other polluting crops - saving forests, soils and rainforests! Like sea grass, agricultural hemp can reduce methane emissions from cows!

Greening Deserts projects like agricultural hemp help farmers, growers and foresters with biodiversity, soil and climate protection by providing useful hints and advice, such as soil improvement, effective plant breeding, sustainable nutrition, cheap and environmentally friendly feed sourcing.

For several years, Greening Deserts projects have been recommending politics and business to finally promote / encourage soil improvement with agricultural / industrial hemp on a large scale. See article Hemp cultivation in surface mining. Not much has happened to date. #agricultural hemp #hemp paper #hemp seed

Many companies in Germany are dedicated to paper production, hemp paper production is largely absent. The machines or production is set on waste paper or pulp. German machinery and paper manufacturers do not produce hemp paper on a large scale. #hemppaper

We don't have much time left to stop global warming and the loss of biodiversity, of which cities and urban areas are a very large part. The simple formula applies: Urban Greening = Urban Cooling. That is why the projects like Greening Camp and the private organization GlobalGreening.org, among others, were founded. Global greening is the only large-scale and nature-based solution to noticeably cool the planet and particularly affected regions. With this, it may be possible to get back below 1.5 degrees by 2050.

We hope that Europe and Germany will finally use more hemp for biodiversity and large-scale soil improvement and drought protection. Drought or drought tolerant plants and trees such as sweet chestnuts, oaks,.. can improve agroforestry and ecological forestry in the long term and sustainably.

*Acorn fattening, also commonly called eckerich in German-speaking areas, was a widespread agricultural practice in Central Europe until the 19th century. Domestic pigs were driven into the woods to gorge themselves on acorns, beechnuts and chestnuts. The word "fattening" originally referred to the tree fruits used as cattle feed. Later it was restricted to acorns and beechnuts used as pig feed. Today, the word mast is generally used to refer to the "fattening" of animals. In addition, the seed production of oaks and beeches was called, for example, eckerich, ecker, acker or acker. From this, the acker was derived from an agricultural point of view. - Wikipedia

[hedgewitchgarden]

If you’re concerned with pollinator conservation at home, you’ve likely taken steps to eliminate insecticide use in your yard. But many gardeners may be surprised to learn that herbicides (chemicals designed to kill plants) can also pose a risk to pollinators and other invertebrates. Luckily, there are a number of solutions that home gardeners can use to manage yards and gardens without herbicides.

How herbicides hurt pollinators

Herbicides take away pollinator food sources. A major impact herbicides have on pollinators is simply killing flowering plants that they rely on for food. In urban areas, some important pollinator plants like milkweeds and native thistles are seen as weeds and are sometimes sprayed with herbicides. For example, a nationwide monitoring project in France found that herbicide use could reduce the availability of host plants for many butterflies and decrease the number of butterflies found in yards. Additionally, herbicides used in our communities can move off-site and end up on plants other than the target weeds. Some are prone to drift. Others can wash off hard surfaces, like roads and compacted lawns, and end up contaminating nearby soil and water. Even if herbicide doesn’t kill non-target plants outright, it can reduce plant health, delay flowering, and decrease nectar and pollen production.

Herbicides can make it hard for bees to find food. Some herbicides have been shown to cause direct harm to pollinators. For example, the most commonly used herbicide, glyphosate, can impact honey bees’ abilities to navigate and prevent the bees from learning the signals associated with food sources. This could interfere with bees’ abilities to find food for their offspring.

Herbicides can reduce the number of butterfly offspring. One study found that giant swallowtail, spicebush swallowtail, black swallowtail, and monarch butterfly eggs exposed to glyphosate were much less likely to hatch than unexposed eggs.

Herbicides can weaken insect adults and juveniles. The herbicide 2,4-D can kill or weaken many types of insects, including honey bee larvae.

We should note that there has been relatively little research investigating the direct impacts of herbicides on pollinators, so there is a lot we don’t know! This is one of the reasons we recommend caution, especially when there are other solutions to weed and pest problems at home.

Protect Pollinators At Home: Alternatives To Herbicides

By Aaron Anderson on 22. February 2024

How herbicides hurt pollinators

Herbicides take away pollinator food sources. A major impact herbicides have on pollinators is simply killing flowering plants that they rely on for food. In urban areas, some important pollinator plants like milkweeds and native thistles are seen as weeds and are sometimes sprayed with herbicides. For example, a nationwide monitoring project in France found that herbicide use could reduce the availability of host plants for many butterflies and decrease the number of butterflies found in yards. Additionally, herbicides used in our communities can move off-site and end up on plants other than the target weeds. Some are prone to drift. Others can wash off hard surfaces, like roads and compacted lawns, and end up contaminating nearby soil and water. Even if herbicide doesn’t kill non-target plants outright, it can reduce plant health, delay flowering, and decrease nectar and pollen production.

Herbicides can make it hard for bees to find food. Some herbicides have been shown to cause direct harm to pollinators. For example, the most commonly used herbicide, glyphosate, can impact honey bees’ abilities to navigate and prevent the bees from learning the signals associated with food sources. This could interfere with bees’ abilities to find food for their offspring.

Herbicides can reduce the number of butterfly offspring. One study found that giant swallowtail, spicebush swallowtail, black swallowtail, and monarch butterfly eggs exposed to glyphosate were much less likely to hatch than unexposed eggs.

Herbicides can weaken insect adults and juveniles. The herbicide 2,4-D can kill or weaken many types of insects, including honey bee larvae.

Safe alternatives to herbicides

Luckily there are a variety of strategies you can use to ensure you don’t need herbicides to manage weeds at home. 

Right plant, right place. Create a resilient yard by selecting appropriate plants for your site and learning your soil properties so your garden plants can thrive. Check your soil pH; different plants have different pH needs, so be aware when choosing soil amendments and garden plants. Irrigate your garden with drip hoses so that only desired plants are watered and entire beds aren’t saturated. This will create conditions that will promote the growth of desired plants and help them outcompete weeds.

Hand weed while plants are still small. The smaller size of home gardens makes weeding a practical method. What’s more, this is the perfect time of year to get on top of weed control when the plants are small and the soil is moist! A variety of ergonomic tools are available that make hand weeding much easier, like hoes and claw weeders. Use dense plantings to outcompete weeds after you remove them, and consider mulch for weed suppression in garden beds.

View your yard as habitat and embrace ecological beauty. Allow some level of “wildness”, including some flowering weeds, in all or parts of your yard. This will provide protected habitat for all sorts of beneficial invertebrates, including pollinators.

Learn more

Our new Xerces fact sheet, Protecting Pollinators from Herbicides: Rethinking Weed Management at Home shares additional solutions, as well as more about the impacts herbicides can have on pollinators.

[oneearthonewildlife]

The Importance of Not Feeding Stray or Wild Animals: Understanding the Risks and Alternatives

Feeding stray or wild animals may seem like a compassionate gesture, but it can have detrimental effects on both the animals and the environment. While the intention behind feeding these animals is often well-meaning, there are several reasons why it is generally advised against. Let's explore why feeding stray or wild animals should be avoided and discuss alternative ways to help them.

**1. Dependency and Disruption of Natural Behavior:**

Feeding stray or wild animals can lead to dependency on human handouts, disrupting their natural foraging behaviors. When animals rely on humans for food, they may become less inclined to search for food on their own, which can lead to malnutrition and a decreased ability to fend for themselves in the wild.

**2. Health Risks:**

Feeding stray or wild animals can contribute to the spread of diseases and parasites. When large groups of animals gather in one area to feed, it increases the risk of disease transmission among them. Additionally, leftover food can attract pests like rodents, which can further spread disease.

**3. Altered Ecosystem Dynamics:**

Introducing food sources for stray or wild animals can disrupt the balance of local ecosystems. For example, feeding wildlife in parks or natural areas can lead to overcrowding and competition for resources among different species. This can have cascading effects on plant life, other animal populations, and overall ecosystem health.

**4. Human-Wildlife Conflict:**

Feeding wild animals, such as raccoons or coyotes, can lead to conflicts between humans and wildlife. Animals that become accustomed to being fed by humans may lose their fear of humans and become more aggressive in their search for food. This can result in property damage, attacks on pets, and even harm to humans.

**Alternatives to Feeding Stray or Wild Animals:**

1. **Provide Habitat:**

Instead of providing food directly, create habitat-friendly environments for stray or wild animals. This may include installing bird feeders, providing nesting boxes, or planting native vegetation that attracts wildlife.

2. **Support Conservation Organizations:**

Donate to or volunteer with organizations dedicated to wildlife conservation and habitat restoration. These organizations work to protect natural habitats and provide resources for native wildlife populations to thrive.

3. **Practice Responsible Waste Management:**

Dispose of trash and food waste properly to avoid attracting wildlife to urban areas. Secure garbage bins and compost bins to prevent access by animals.

4. **Educate Others:**

Raise awareness about the importance of not feeding stray or wild animals and the potential consequences of doing so. Encourage others to adopt responsible behaviors that support wildlife conservation efforts.

5. **Report Injured or Orphaned Animals:**

If you encounter injured or orphaned wildlife, contact local wildlife rehabilitation centers or animal control authorities for assistance. These professionals are trained to provide appropriate care and rehabilitation for wildlife in need.

In conclusion, while the urge to feed stray or wild animals may come from a place of compassion, it's essential to consider the long-term consequences and potential risks associated with this practice. By adopting alternative ways to support wildlife and promote ecosystem health, we can help ensure the well-being of both animals and the environment.

[tanoraqui]

1, 4, 15, 18, 26, and 27!

[ask meme]

What’s something new that you tried in a fic this year? How did it turn out and would you do it again?

And What Came Next is barely a "fic" - there is no plot arc and maybe 5% of a character arc. It's just some scenes of varying degrees of completeness connected by what's basically just written-out headcanon, mostly fluffy, post-"canon" for my Silmarillion OC Celechwes and her family, including OC children. It's the sort of thing that usually just lives in my head and in random chats with friends. But so many people have been so eagerly supportive of Celechwes and her story, and I've been trying to lean into AO3 as an archive not just for truly polished fanworks but all fannish creations I want to save - with the guideline that if I would want to read this stuff from someone else, the collected headcanons and bullet-point fics, shouldn't I share my own? So I posted it and lo, people liked it! They exclaimed excitedly in the comments!

Moral of the story: if you're worried that what you're posting is too self-indulgent and incomplete, it's not. There is no such thing. Admittedly it helps that I'd already spent about 65k establishing the relevant characters in a fic that did have plot and character arcs.

4. What piece of media inspired you the most?

Well, obviously I was still on this Silmarillion kick for most of the year... (It's fading now, but I have some really good WIPs that I'm determined to finish.)

Ooh but my favorite new books of the year were the Heartstrikers series by Rachel Aaron! Urban fantasy ft. internecine draconic family politics, vengeful nature spirits and genii locorum, aggressively offered and maintained friendship as a problem-solving method, manipulative seers as another problem-solving method, ghost cats (and armies of undead) as yet a third option, a couple apocalypses, pest control, compelling characters with opposing agendas and vivid worldbuilding and all that good stuff! I want to reread them and then maybe write a next-gen story.

15. Rec a fic you wrote or posted in 2023

My favorite little thing I wrote is this of Maedhros returning to what once was Himring.

18. What was the hardest fic to title?

Oh, god. "And What Comes Next" is so hopelessly generic, which I guess is appropriate given its content. I'm not really satisfied with "The Struggle of Squeamishness" (S&D Tier). "Magic Traps" was hard specifically because the whole Kate Daniels series has titles in this very specific form - Magic Binds, Magic Bleeds, Magic Triumphs, etc - and I wanted to follow it, but all the best words were already used.

26. If you had to choose one, what was THE most satisfying writing moment of your year?

I worked really hard and for nearly a year, in bits and pieces, on The Minstrel and the Star, trying to capture this very messily nuanced but intense relationship, including an air of worship that I really don't normally go in for, and I'm still not sure I managed to express it exactly as I envision it... But one reviewer described it as "Numinous as well as luminous", which is so exactly what I intended that I must have done something right.

27. Did you do anything special to celebrate finishing a fic?

Er, usually I go to bed. Bedtime is the #1 effective deadline for me to grit my teeth and figure out how to write the last few lines of any given fic. Write sleep-deprived, edit sober, as they say.

[bumblebeeappletree]

Sam Van Aken is the creator of the Tree of 40 Fruit and he is the guest on Episode 65 of The Urban Forestry Radio Show and Podcast with Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care training website orchardpeople.com. #fruittrees #grafting #organicgardening

Learn more about Sam Van Aken here:

https://www.samvanaken.com/

And if you are ready to learn more about fruit tree care, read on!

🌳 Learn specialist fruit tree pruning, pest and disease management, young tree care and more in one of Orchard People’s premium online courses: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/

😀 For a 10% discount on any course, use the discount code: VIDEO.

🍑 To purchase recommended fruit tree care products and books visit Orchard People's online store: https://orchardpeople.com/shop/

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

03:32 How did the Tree of 40 Fruit Project Start

04:26 The mix of blossom colors

05:25 Grafted branch placement

06:05 The first Tree of 40 Fruit Exhibition

07:56 Number of varieties grafted onto each tree

08:41 How interstock grafting works

09:30 Best rootstock for multi-graft stone fruit trees

10:13 Santa Rosa plum rootstock history

10:57 Types of fruit on a Tree of 40 Fruit

11:53 Myrobalan rootstock compatibility

12:22 Interstock as a "highway" between cultivars

14:16 New Tree of 40 Fruit projects

16:21 Multi graft apple trees

18:05 Downside of multi-graft trees

20:35 Examples of multi-graft trees

23:12 Grafting apple with stone fruit trees

24:39 Multi-graft tree maintenance

29:10 Commercials

34:00 Mid show topic reminder

36:27 Why grafting works

38:13 Relationship between rootstock diameter and tree health

40:45 Cultivar choices for Tree of 40 Fruits

41:50 Client requests for Tree of 40 Fruits

43:18 Growing multi-fruit trees indoors

44:07 Cooling hours necessary for fruit trees

45:00 Working with artists from communist regimes

47:48 Tree of 40 Fruits in Canada

48:34 Map of Trees of 40 Fruits

49:05 Sam's website address

49:43 Viruses in tree cuttings (scions)

51:52 Sam's family's view of his work

53:25 Sam's art for sale

54:10 Show contest

55:40 Show wrap up